A VCU grad is organizing volunteers to help meet free clinic needs across Virginia
IN THE NEWS / MAY 2020
Virginia Commonwealth University alumnus Zuhayr Shaikh wanted to make a difference during his time in isolation. An email from a free clinic in his hometown provided an opportunity.
Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinics in Manassas, Virginia, was transitioning to telehealth in mid-March after Gov. Ralph Northam issued a stay-at-home order. The organization sent out a plea for interpreters.
Shaikh knew people who were stuck at home and had the skills to provide interpretative services so he reached out to the clinic and offered to help. Soon, Shaikh had a spreadsheet with dozens of names. He connected them with the clinic.
Shaikh, who graduated last week with a degree in biology from the College of Humanities and Sciences, is interested in helping underserved populations and will enroll at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in the fall. He has volunteered at a free clinic in Richmond as well as the one in Manassas.
